| How did you get started with Karate? I started training at the age of 10. Initially I was heavily influenced by classic 90s television such as Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and wanted to learn how to do the things that I saw them doing. Once I started training, this very quickly changed into a genuine desire to be part of something bigger. I realised that Karate was something that I could pour my efforts into and excel at. What motivates you to train in and teach Karate? Training has always made me feel part of a wider Karate community. It keeps me fit and healthy, and I enjoy learning new things so that I can pass them on. Teaching Karate is incredibly rewarding because I really believe that Karate is a force for good in the world. The ultimate purpose of training in any martial art is to develop character traits such as confidence, self-control and self-reliance, and it is great to watch and guide students as they develop in this way. What single piece of advice would you give to anyone starting Karate? Absolutely anyone can excel at Karate. All you need is to be willing to learn and to work hard. Regardless of how athletic or fit you are, or how you've fared with sport in the past, if you are determined then nothing can stop you. A black belt is simply a white belt who never gave up - it sounds trite but it is very true! Have you trained in any other martial arts? My focus has always been on Wado Ryu Karate, but I have also dabbled in Taekwondo and Jujitsu. What do you do outside Karate? By day, I am qualified as a barrister and currently work as a civil servant. When not practising Karate, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, walking, watching films and playing board games. |